The Black Stars of Ghana secured an important 1-0 victory over Mali in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Alexander Djiku’s second-half strike was enough for the Black Stars to secure the double victory against the Malians, having beaten them in the reverse fixture in 2024.
Madagascar are second with 16 points, while Comoros are third with 15 points. Mali, who have 12 points in fourth, cannot secure the solitary automatic qualification spot, while Central African Republic (5 points) and Chad (1 point) have no chances of qualification.
Ghana coach Otto Addo, following the disappointing draw against Chad in their last encounter, made some changes to his starting line-up for the Mali game.
Kwasi Zibo, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu were back in the starting line-up and played crucial roles for the Black Stars in various departments on the field.
Despite the solid display from both sides in the first half, chances were few, but it was the Black Stars who came close to scoring, with Antoine Semenyo missing a glorious opportunity on the brink of halftime.
The Black Stars deservedly went ahead in the 49th minute after Djiku tapped in from close range after a delightful corner from Captain Jordan Ayew.
There was massive pressure on Ghana thereafter, with Mali coach Tom Sainfiet making multiple changes to beef up his attack.
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare had to step up to make some very crucial saves for his side to secure all three points at the end of 90 minutes.
The Black Stars are now in pole position to secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup and would need a minimum of four points in their next two matches against Comoros and the Central African Republic in October 2025.
Source: GNA
